Instant ration meals, also known as Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs), are traditionally referred to as military rations or field rations. They are specially designed for extreme environments, military operations, and emergency disaster preparedness. MREs are characterized by being ready to eat upon opening, easy to carry, high in calories and nutrition, and having a very long shelf life. Traditionally, they were developed as food for soldiers, but because of their portability and convenience, many people today also bring them along for outdoor adventures.